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Monyash
Monyash was named from the abundance of ash trees that dominated the region over 1000 years ago, and was noted in the Doomsday Book in 1086. Standing on a flat upland limestone plain, this White Peaks village lies at the head of the beautiful Lathkill Dale, and at the crossroads of four ancient trackways. The limestone dwellings of this upland village lie somewhat straggled along each side of the four lanes which radiate from the village green at it`s centre, and the signpost which stands at the cross roads, or `Crosslanes` as it is officially designated, denotes that it is 4 miles to Bakewell, 4 miles to Newhaven, 6 miles to Youlgreave, and 8 miles to Buxton. The smaller hamlets of Flagg and Sheldon lie 2 and 3 miles away respectively.
The village stands on the central Derbyshire limestone plateau where water is scarce, seeping away through the porous rock. Unlike many villages in the Peak District Monyash has no river to rely on for it's water supply; instead it is gained from the unique feature of a clay bed some 100 yards square which retained the water seepage. This in turn formed five natural meres, providing Monyash with as much water as it needed. Over the centuries four have disappeared, but Fere Mere remains, now encircled by a stone enclosure to stop cattle and sheep from straying too close; until earlier this century it provided the village`s main supply of water.
Similar to many of the villages in the White Peak's region, Monyash was the lead mining centre of the High Peak and this is evidenced by the fact that the village once had no less than five public houses, and in 1851 a population of around 500 inhabitants, - twice as many as today. The Bull`s Head is the sole survivor left to cater for thirsty visitors and is one of the oldest buildings in the village dating from the late 17th/ early 18th century. The Barmote Court of the King`s Field of the High Peak which dealt with lead mining disputes and was responsible for the lead mining administration in the area met regularly here until earlier this century. It has an atmosphere to match it`s longevity which is redolent with age and snugly welcoming, and a fine example of an Ashford marble floor just inside the entrance.
Farming and local agriculture is once again the main occupation beneath the wide and open skies of this traditional limestone upland village. Monyash boasts an atmosphere of peace and rural tranquility which welcomes the sojourning visitor from the semi-desolation of the surrounding moorland into the friendly heart of a quaint and rugged village of great character. Known for it's fabulous Peak District Walking routes the region attracts people from far and wide, and once the scenery has been seen it is easy to see why.
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